Locking-clip for gas-pipe joints and ends



N0. 6|9,79,5. Patented Feb. 2|, |899. F. J. SCHREINER. f

LUCKING CLIP FDH GAS PIPE JOINTS AND ENDS.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1898.)

(No Model.)

UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK J. SCIIREINER, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO.

LOCKING-CLIP FOR GAS-PIPE JOINTS AND ENDS,

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 619,795, dated February 21, 1899.

Application filed April 15, 1898.

To all whom it may concern,.-

Be it known that I, FRANK J. SCHREINER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Columbus, in the county of Franklin and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Locking-Clips for Gas- Pipe Joints and Ends, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to the improvement of locking-clips for gas-meter connections; and the objects of my invention are to provide an improved device whereby thev union joints or connections of pipe-sections may beV shielded or locked against disconnection, to combine with my improved clip means for closing the end of a pipe against connection therewith of other pipes or tubes, and to produce other improvements in details of construction and arrangement of parts, which will be more fully pointed out hereinafter. These objects I accomplish in the manner illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a gasmeter, showing my improved joint inclosing or locking device thereon. Fig. 2 is a central vertical section of a pipe-joint and said locking device thereon. Fig. 3 is a similar vertical section showing my device applied to the end of a gas-pipe. Fig. 4 is a detail view in perspective of my improved clip. Fig. 5 is a similar View of the locking-pin. Fig. 6 is a similar view of said clip, showing the same provided with a pipe-end-closing plate; vand Fig. 7 is a similar view of said closing-plate, showing a modification in the form of the lugs which project therefrom in the manner hereinafter described.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In carrying out my invention I cast or cause to be otherwise suitably formed a metallic clip 1, which is of general C form in crosssection. The lower portion of the clip thus formed, which is semitubular, as shown, has its edges provided with outturned flanges or face-pieces 2. The upper portion of the clip which is formed with said lower portion consists of an enlarged substantially C-shaped head 3, the parallel side arms of which extend forwardly past the body of the clip to form locking projections 4. As indicated an internal recess 5.

Serial No. 677,664. (No model.)

more clearly in Fig. 4 of the drawings, that portion kof the head which adjoins the lower portion or body of the clip is provided with The upper portion of the head is provided, as indicated at 6, with an inturned U-shaped top flange portion or yoke. At opposite points in thehead-arm extensions 4 are formed pin-openings 7, the latter being adapted, in the manner hereinafter described, to receive a transverse pin 8, which is provided on one end with an enlargement or head 9 and has formed in its remaining end portion a transverse opening 10.

1l represents a flat stopper-plate which isl adapted to be slipped into the recess 5 of the cliphead in the manner indicated more clearly in Figs. 3 and 6 of the drawings, said stopper-plate being provided on its outer end with upwardly-projecting lugs 12, which may be of the form indicated in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6.

In order to illustrate the use of my device, I have shown an ordinary formA of gas-meter 13, having the usual inlet pipe or tube 14, with which, through the medium of a unionjoint, the usual supply-pipe 15 is connected. Connected with the usual outlet meter-pipe is the ordinary gas-discharge pipe 16. The pipe 14 is provided with the usual threaded union-head 17, which is joined or connected with the lower end of the pipe 15 in the usual manner through a union-nut 18.

In utilizing my device the body or lower portion of the clip is, as indicated more clearly in Fig. 1 of the drawings, made to embrace that portion of the pipe 14 which is immediately below its head 17, while the head 3 of the clip is made to receive the union-nut 18, the peripheral flange 18a with which this class of nuts is provided being received by the recess 5 of the clip-head. In this position it is obvious that the yoke-shaped top iiange 6 will embrace the greater portion of the pipe 15, as indicated in the drawings. The clip having been placed in position as above described, the pin 8 is inserted through the openings 7 of the head extensions, said pin being locked in this position through the medium of a padlock, the hasp of which is adapted to pass through the opening 10 of the pin, or through the medium of a seal-wire or other suitable device.

When locked in the above-described posi- IOO tion, it is obvious that without 4the removal of the clip access to the union-joint cannot be attained, and the two pipe-sections cannot therefore be separated, which might other- Wise be done for the purpose of producing a direct connection between the pipes 15 and I6, and thereby avoiding the passage of gas through the meter.

In order to prevent the connecting of a tube or pipe with the exposed end of the gas-pipe, such as is indicated at 2O in Fig. 3, the cliphead is made to embrace the union-nut 21 in the manner prescribed for engagement with the nut 1S, after which the stopper-plate 11 is inserted within the recess 5, and thus made to close the underside of the pipe-section 20. The pin 8 now being secured in its position between the head extensions 4 and against the outer sides of the lugs 12, it will readily be seen that the end of the pipe-section 2O is closed against any possibility of the same being connected with other pipes or tubes. It will thus be seen that my device may be used for locking the exposed cnd of a gas-supply pipe against connection with other pipes or tubes, thereby preventing the unauthorized use of gas.

From the construction and operation of my improved device it will be seen that the same may be produced in a simple and inexpensive form and that by its use the defrauding of gas companies by the use of gas not passed through the meter is obviated.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In a locking-clip for gas-pipe joints and ends, the combination with a clip-body haw ing its head portion formed and adapted to embrace a union-n ut, said head portion being provided with extensions 4 and with an internal groove 5, of a stopper-plate 1l adapted to be inserted Within said head and into said internal groove and a pin adapted to unite said extensions 4, substantial! y as and for the purpose specified.

FRANK J. SCIIREINER.

In presence of- O. C. SHEPHERD, W. L. Monovv. 

